United Nations Day – 24 October

Video: United Nations 70th Anniversary

Turn the world #UNBlue

The world will celebrate the United Nations’ 70th anniversary on 24 October 2015. Seventy years ago, on 24 October 1945, the United Nations was born through the entry into force of the UN Charter.

Credit: MCG

United Nations Day this year is a timely opportunity for global citizens to unite and celebrate the UN’s achievements and the important role it continues to play in international peace and security, development and the promotion of human rights.

Credit: Stewie Donn.

The UN provides critical services to millions of people in need every day, in many parts of the world including protection from war, and humanitarian and development assistance. The UN also plays an essential role in bringing together nations to identify global solutions to conflict, terrorism, poverty, climate change and other global challenges.

Australia played a significant part in drafting the UN Charter in 1945, and has played an active role across the UN’s agenda over the past 70 years. Australia is committed to helping shape the UN so that it continues to provide an effective platform for international cooperation to address the global challenges of today and the future.

To mark UN Day, landmarks across Australia will be illuminated blue – the official colour of the UN - on 24 October as part of the global Turn the World #UNBlue campaign. Other landmarks throughout the world will follow Australia’s lead including the Empire State Building, UN Headquarters, Tokyo's SkyTree Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Athen's Temple of Zeus and Edinburgh Castle.

Turn the World #UNBlue aims to unite global citizens by promoting the UN’s message of peace, development and human rights. Australians are encouraged to share photos of the illuminated landmarks on social media using #UN70 and #UNBlue.